Air’s a bit dirtier

Here’s the latest on the air quality in the capital from Tini Tran of the Associated Press:

On Thursday, the pollution index rose up to 69, but remained within the national standard for acceptable air.

China Photos

Tourists visit a row of shops on Thursday at Qianmen Avenue, Beijing.

A day earlier, the city’s air pollution index had dropped to 44, less than half what it was on Tuesday, and the lowest since July 20 when the first measures came into effect. A cooling wind and some rain earlier this week helped sweep away pollutants and gave Beijingers a respite from the sultry heat and humidity that had cloaked the city for days.

A reading below 50 is considered good and between 51 to 100 is moderate. But critics say even moderate levels are still above the World Health Organization’s guidelines for healthy air.